It Wasn't Me, It was the Voice
Chapter 4
That summer Naruto spent nearly every day with Hinata. She taught him to row, play cards, order Chinese food, how to eat a taco, and even stargaze. They become almost inseparable, which worried Jiraiya to no end but the guards paid it no mind. So far he hadn't exhibited any abnormal signs other than a teenage boy falling in love. Naruto was young and Hinata was attractive. Anyone could have seen that one coming a mile away. Of course Asuma and Kurenai and the hired chef were vigilant with his medication and never left them alone for long; no one wanted a repeat of the past, but they tried to let him be a teenager. Plus absolutely nothing led them to believe he was the psychotic little boy that needed to be heavily medicated and locked up twenty-four-seven.
Today Jiraiya decided to throw a barbeque party celebrating the middle of summer. So far Naruto hadn't been in any trouble, reports from both Kabuto and the guards about his behavior has been good, Hinata seemed to genuinely like him. All in all life was good.
Preparations were underway from the early lights of dawn but Naruto didn't roll out of bed until around ten. Everyone decided to just let him sleep; it was easier for them that way. He woke to the monologue of Kyuubi as usual.
"I'm telling you kid, things are going well! Just let me have control and like that Hinata will be ours!"
"No." Naruto groaned and tried to bury himself under a pillow.
"Why not? Last time I was in control she loved me. You. Us."
"Again, no."
"Why not?"
"Because you only cause problems!" Naruto hissed into his pillow.
"No, you-"
Naruto groaned and rolled over, burying his face into his sheets, muffling his voice. "Kyuubi no. Things are going well. Hinata likes me."
"Us. She likes US."
"Right. Us. Let's not ruin a good thing."
Just then someone knocked on his door. "Naruto?" Kurenai's muffled voice sounded through. "Time to get up!" It was routine for one of them, usually it was Kurenai who woke him on a morning; much like a parent. That was how Naruto was beginning to view them; Asuma like his father and Kurenai like his mother. Jiraiya always filled the role of a grandfather and Uncle Iruka was always Uncle Iruka. Rarely he saw Kakashi. He was like the random, always moving relative no one was sure where he'd be at any given time but give him and call, and he'll be there. No questions asked.
Sighing, Naruto sat up and rubbed his eyes. "I'm up!"
"Good! I wasn't going to call you again!"
OOO
Quickly he showered and dressed with Kyuubi singing very off key in his head.
"Food. Food! We're going to get some food! Meat. Meat! We're going to eat some meat! With po-ta-to! Burger! Burger! We're going to eat burger!"
"That doesn't even rhyme." Naruto muttered, attempting to pass a comb through his hair and failing miserably. He stood in front of the mirror, freshly washed, hair still dripping water onto his grey shirt with the beginnings of a headache nudging at his temples. It was too early to deal with Kyuubi screaming in his head but he wouldn't shut up. He was too excited and Naruto was fairly certain this was part of a plot to get him to relinquish control.
"Don't cut me off kid I'm on a roll. Now where was I? Beer! Beer. We're going to drink beer!"
At that Naruto snorted. "No we aren't."
"Yes we are! I saw the pack in the-"
"We're underage."
"Pft. You are. I'm not." Kyuubi scoffed.
Giving up on his rat's nest of a hair Naruto rolled his eyes and decided to go in search of some food. Perhaps that might shut the demon fox up for awhile. "Kyuubi, you're in me and I'm underage therefore you're underage." He calmly explained, toeing on his shoes.
Kyuubi fell silent for all of three seconds before chuckling. "I can fix that. Just let me have contro-"
"No." Naruto sighed and left his bedroom. "For the last time you're not getting control!" He hissed under his breath then headed downstairs to the festivities.
As soon as he walked through the kitchen all of his senses were assaulted; music was blasting, people were yelling, there were all sorts of food scattered everywhere and the temperature was an uncomfortable mixture of hot and cold.
"Holy shit…kid this is…do you smell that? That's steak! Someone here is cooking steak!"
Slowly he sniffed, curious to see if he could smell steak but all he smelt was a horrible mixture of spices that sent his stomach rolling.
"Duck!" Someone yelled and Naruto looked to the right just in time to duck as a bright red pepper went flying over his head. "Sorry kid!"
Naruto looked over at the guy that almost took off his head with a bell pepper and frowned. To his shock it was none other than Kakashi.
"Who the fuck does that bastard think he is?!"
Kakashi stood calmly but quickly dicing up vegetables at the island wearing a standard white apron tied over a dark blue and white pinstriped shirt and black slacks. His silver hair flopped messily into his eyes and as usual, his eye patch remained firmly in place.
"Come on boy, move! Let's go tell off this imbecile! You walk, I'll talk."
"Kakashi?" Naruto called, but his voice was lost among the clattering of the many cooks and servants hired today.
"I don't care if his names Billy! That asshat almost hit us! With a fucking pepper!"
Just then a hand clamped down on Naruto's shoulder and spun him around. "There you are!" Asuma grinned and blew the last of his cigarette smoke into his face. "Kurenai said she woke you up but we couldn't find you! Should have known you'd find your way here first." He chuckled and looked around at the bustling kitchen.
"Toothpaste. Mouthwash. They are your best friends."
Naruto grimaced at Asuma's breath and silently agreed with Kyuubi. As much as he liked Asuma the man smoked too much. The nicotine on his clothes he could deal with but the bad breath was too much to ask of anyone. He was beginning to think the man had a serious health problem. At least Kurenai had the decency to not invade his personal space when smoking.
"Yeah, I'm hungry." He mumbled and glanced around the kitchen, his gaze landing once again on Kakashi who was now talking with who appeared to be the head chef.
"Well foods outside. Come on everyone's looking for you."
OOO
"Good morning." Hinata greeted as soon as he walked through the double doors out onto the patio. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day with the sun and clouds, it wasn't too hot and there was a cool wind blowing. She looked amazing against the backdrop of the blue sky, white clouds and green trees; her hair was down and she wore lavender shorts and a white top.
Nervously he smoothed down the front of his shirt and smiled. "Hi, morning Hinata."
A knowing grin spread over Asuma's face as he sized up the situation. "I'll just leave you two alone." He winked as he patted down his pants, looking for his pack of cigarettes.
She smiled and walked over to him. "Did you just wake up?" She asked knowingly.
"Yes."
"No! No…I…yeah…" He nodded, his face reddening.
Hinata placed her hand over her mouth to hide the giggles that escaped. "It's alright, still summer after all."
"Naruto!" Iruka's loud voice echoed. "Did you just wake up?"
"No you genius, we wanted to be fashionably late."
Naruto glanced over to see Iruka walking over, beer in hand. "Hi." He greeted with a half smile. "Yeah, but you know, summer and all."
Iruka nodded and smiled at Hinata. "True but you have guests today. Kakashi's here somewhere-have you eaten breakfast yet?" He asked, frowning slightly.
"Yes. Yes we ate it in our sleep to save time. Is this guy serious?"
"No."
"Well then best get you something to eat. Grab a seat I'll send someone with something." With that said Iruka waved him off towards one of the tables at the bottom of the cement staircase then darted inside.
Together Naruto and Hinata walked down the large stairs and took a seat at a table shaded under a large tree a distance away from the house and the festivities. Quietly he observed his surroundings; Jiraiya had decorated the entire backyard which stretched all the way to a wooded area, with lawn chairs, tables, balloons, various games as well as several small refreshment tables. He had ordered two more fountains for the flower garden as well as rose bushes which all came together nicely. All over milled strangers he never met; they must have been acquaintances and friends of Jiraiya's.
Slyly he glanced at Hinata seated at his side to see her fiddling with her hands. "Oh, man I should have gotten you something to drink." Naruto mumbled, realization dawning on him.
"Yes. You should have. Seriously boy let me take over for awhile. You're cocking everything up."
Before anyone could say anything a waiter appeared at Naruto's side holding a dish covered. "Your breakfast Sir." He bowed and slid the dish in front of Naruto. "I hope it's to your liking." He removed the cover to reveal three large pancakes with a slice of butter on top and syrup covering everything. On the side sat three small strawberries.
"Shit. That looks amazing."
"Sir, I will be right back with your glass of milk." The waiter bowed once again before leaving.
"I'll be right back too. I'm just going to go get a soda." Hinata squeezed his shoulder before leaving.
"Wait! I could just order the waiter to get you something!" He looked up at her. Over the last few weeks Jiraiya hired a chef, another maid and a butler for Naruto and he quickly grew use to ordering people to do his bidding. He enjoyed the idea of ordering food and having it served to him, though the not being alone even to bathe part sort of bothered him.
Hinata smiled a crooked smile down at him. "Naruto its fine. I'm perfectly capable of getting my own drink." And then she walked away.
"Hurry up and dig in! It looks amazing! Look at that syrup! It's maple. I know its maple. It smells like maple."
Licking his lips Naruto picked up his knife and fork, cut a slice of pancake and ate it. It was like eating heaven; the batter was perfect with just a hint of vanilla that balanced the maple syrup perfectly. "This is what heaven tastes like." He mumbled, digging in.
"Holy fuck cake…if heaven tastes that good let me lick the floors!"
"School starts pretty soon." Hinata spoke as she slid into the seat beside Naruto, amused at the sight of him eagerly eating his late breakfast. It was one of his many endearing qualities, he could be utterly lost in what most people wouldn't think twice about. He had the ability to fully appreciate things most people take for granted. "Are you excited?"
He shrugged as he finished up chewing and swallowed. "I don't know…it's…"
"Intimidating?" She offered.
"Yeah." He nodded and took a gulp of milk before glancing at her. "I've never been to school before…it's…really unnerving." He admitted before ducking his head and popping a strawberry into his mouth.
"Say something more kid. Come on we're trying to make her love us here, not pity us."
"Well don't worry too much. I'll be there." She smiled and popped open her can of soda. "Better finish eating before it gets too cold."
OOO
Half an hour later Naruto and Hinata still sat together at the table; a waiter had come and cleared away his dish while another served both of them some iced water in tall glasses. Occasionally someone came and checked on them; first it was Kurenai smoking a cigarette and had stayed only long enough to make sure they were both alive. Then Asuma who kept winking, to the point that Naruto wondered if he was okay and Kyuubi genuinely asked if he was having some sort of attack. Needless to say both Hinata and Naruto knew they were essentially being baby sat double time.
Much to Naruto's surprise the next person to check on them was Kakashi.
"Kid is that who I think it is?"
"Kakashi?" Naruto whispered.
"Sorry?" Hinata asked, taking a sip of her water. "Is that the person everyone's talking about?"
"Here you go." Kakashi handed Naruto a brand new neon blue disk, a half smile on his face as soon as he strode up. "I hope you like it."
Very confused, he smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Yeah I do thanks."
"He gave us a disk. A fucking disk. What the hell does he expect us to do with this? Gnaw on it?"
Just then loud rambunctious laughter filled the air and the familiar scent of nicotine wafted up Naruto's nose. Asuma wrapped an arm around his shoulder and pulled him up and close.
"Hands off the merchandise you fucking chimney!"
"Poor kid!" Asuma laughed. "He thinks you're crazy Kakashi!"
Kakashi chuckled and shrugged. "I'm sure he'll figure out how to use it. He's not that stupid. Are you?" He asked and looked at Naruto. Much to Naruto's surprise he was almost as tall as Kakashi, all of the fresh air and good food must have given him a growth spurt.
"Asuma calm down!" Kurenai hissed a plate of food in her hands as she walked up to them. "Leave the boy alone. Go get something to eat."
"Stop ordering me around!"
"I'll stop as soon as you start acting like a man!"
"Are you calling me a woman?!" Asuma yelled, squeezing Naruto's shoulder.
"You fucker! Do something boy! Do something!"
But poor Naruto was too terrified to do anything. Asuma was shouting right in his ear, Kurenai was glaring, his right side was shoved against Asuma, his left shoulder was starting to ache, and Kyuubi was shouting in his head. All he wanted was to run away and lock himself in his room.
"It's a Frisbee." Hinata spoke, coming up beside him and saving him from Asuma. "You toss it to someone and they throw it back." She smiled warmly and pried Naruto away from Asuma who was too busy shouting at Kurenai to notice. Kakashi was attempting to play referee but it wasn't good too well.
"Thank you Hinata. At least you did something unlike you! Boy! I thought I raised you better than that!"
Sheepishly he smiled at Hinata as they strolled further away from the house and closer to the flower garden. "Thank you. For saving me." He blushed and fiddled with the disc in his hands. Soon enough the arguing become nothing more than background noise as Hinata's hand brushed atop his own.
"You're welcome. They're…odd people." She laughed and gently pried the disk out of his hands. "So this is a Frisbee." She waved it. "You toss it to someone and they throw it back to you and so forth."
"Why? What's the point?"
"Why?" Naruto repeated Kyuubi's question.
"For fun." She shrugged. "It's just a sport. And I suppose it is fun. But it's been years since I've played with one."
"Oh...you don't…I mean if you don't want I erm…" Naruto trailed off, scratching the back of his head.
"I have a better idea of what we can play…" Kyuubi sang. "It involves you pretty lady, Naruto's body and-"
Naruto cleared his throat hoping to drown out Kyuubi's last words in his head. His face turned an even brighter red at the fox demons insinuation.
"Oh no." Hinata placed her hand on his forearm. "I didn't mean I don't want to play. I just meant I won't be very good." She clarified.
Startled by her touch he nearly jerked away but caught himself at the last second. "Oh, no uh…"
Hinata smiled at his nervousness and offered up the Frisbee to him.
He took the neon blue Frisbee out of Hinata's hand and studied it. He turned it in his hand, flipped it a couple times and tapped his knuckles on the hard disk. "Sooo…you just throw it?"
"No genius. You lick it then throw it. Don't you listen?" Kyuubi drawled.
Hinata grinned and nodded but held back the growing laughter bubbling up. Even though she knew Naruto didn't really have a childhood it was amazing to learn the things he genuinely didn't know about. Almost every day she taught him something mundane like kite flying and origami or just read childhood fairy tales and legends. It was like experiencing childhood all over again; and with Naruto he made it worth how silly she felt at times. The way his eyes lit up and the huge grin spread across his face was more than enough to reassure her that what she was doing was more than appreciated, it was loved.
"Here Naruto, let me show you." Iruka came out of nowhere and took the Frisbee and jogged a couple yards away. "Hinata, you catch it okay?" He adjusted his grip on the disc, bent his knees and then gently threw the disc. Naruto watched as it glided through the air arching high before flowing neatly in to Hinata's waiting hands. "See? It's not hard."
"This is what they want us to do? Run after a stupid plastic toy? This is what these humans spend their time doing?"
Wordlessly Hinata shifted into position and elegantly threw the disc back to the waiting Iruka who caught it. "Just keep your eye on the Frisbee." She stated and watched as Iruka once again threw the disc to her and she caught it. Smoothly she turned to Naruto and held it out to him. "You try."
Clumsily he accepted and tried to mimic Iruka's movements with a little success; he threw the Frisbee a bit too hard and it whipped high into the air, forcing Iruka to run far left and back in order to catch it.
"Opps…"
"It's alright, not bad for a first try." Hinata consoled.
"Wow kid you can't even throw a damn disc?"
Obviously Naruto ignored him in favor of watching Iruka jog back to his original spot opposite him and Hinata.
"Seriously kid, let me have control for an hour. Shit will change so quick you wouldn't believe-"
"Remember to keep your eye on the Frisbee." Hinata reminded.
"Okay, how about half an hour? It's all I need to make Hinata ours."
"Naruto, really keep your eye on the Frisbee. Otherwise you may get hit instead."
Between trying to ignore Kyuubi and listen to Hinata plus watch Iruka, Naruto failed to notice exactly when Iruka let go of the Frisbee until Kyuubi started yelling in his head.
"You blonde idiot! The thing! The thing! The fucking Frisbee thing!"
The last thing Naruto saw before he fell unconscious was a freebie flying towards his head.
OOO
"A Frisbee you say?"
"Yes Tsunade. For the last time he got hit in the head with a damn Frisbee."
"How?
"Since you asked a large bear came out of the woods, saw the thing laying there and was immediately interested. He then spotted Naruto sitting eating a hotdog and thought 'Hey, I've never had one of those before. Wonder what they taste like?' so then-"
"Asuma shut up."
"Well how else does she think the kid ended up with a Frisbee to his face?" Asuma asked shrugging.
"Really Asuma. Shut up." Kurenai sighed.
OOO
Naruto woke to the soft voices of the two guards; initially he didn't realize it was voices. His head throbbed in pain and he wanted nothing more than to roll over and drift back to sleep, but Kyuubi had other ideas.
"Stay awake kid. Let's listen to this."
He wanted to groan in protest but his head pulsed in pain and all he could manage was a slight grimace. It took almost nothing for Kyuubi to slide into control; he gently nudged Naruto back into the sweet comfort of unconsciousness and assumed control of his body.
"-aven't observed anything like what he said." Kurenai mumbled. "I keep looking for signs, just the slightest hint that Naruto isn't stable but…"
"But he seems normal. Right?" Asuma whispered. "Sometimes I wonder if that medication Kabuto gives him takes care of the so-called insanity or if the kid is just fucking normal."
"If that were true don't you think the medication would have some sort of adverse affect?" Kurenai sounded mildly annoyed.
Asuma shifted around before snorting. "Don't you think he's pretty stupid Kurenai? Kid that age with the life he's had shouldn't make you that stupid. If anything you should get smarter. I think it's all those medication they force down his throat has taken its toll on his intelligence."
"You're one to talk."
"Hey, this isn't about me here. It's about this kid." It sounded like Asuma shuffled over to the bed. Kyuubi felt his eyes on Naruto's body. "I don't believe one shit what Jiraiya says about him. This kid's completely normal."
"Don't say that Asuma." Kurenai sighed. "You don't know. There must be a reason for him being locked up all these years. A good reason."
"Yeah but-"
"Observations now show he's fine. But our job is to keep an eye on him. If things change, well there's our answer. If they don't-well what's it matter? We get paid either way."
OOO
The first day of school Naruto was chauffeured by Asuma and Kurenai who also got jobs in the school as teachers. Well they weren't really teachers they essentially wandered around doing nothing at all but keep an eye on Naruto. Hinata offered to drive him but Jiraiya was adamant about the guards keeping a close eye on him during the first couple of days. Just in case something went wrong.
Fortunately for him Hinata was waiting at the front of the building knowing that this would be nerve-wracking for him and it would be nice for him to see a familiar face.
"Look there boy! Hinata's waiting for us! Hurry up open the damn door!" Kyuubi yelled happily.
But Naruto was too worried to even listen to Kyuubi's orders, suddenly he felt hot and cold and sweaty all over. What was he thinking? School? With other kids? He can't handle this! Why did Kabuto say okay? Why did he even roll out of bed this morning?
Just then someone clamped a hand down on his shoulder and he whipped around to see Asuma staring down at him from the driver's side, a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. "Nervous?"
Naruto nodded and fisted his hands in his black cargo shorts.
"I would be too." Asuma took a deep drag and blew it out his nose. "But relax. We'll be there. Remember, just don't over think things too much and you'll be fine. Plus you've got that lovely girl over there just waiting to show you around." He offered a smile. "Don't keep her waiting."
Naruto nodded and swallowed thickly before opening the passenger door and stepped out.
"Oh so you listen to him? What about ME? When have I ever steered you wrong? HM?!"
He ignored the ranting Kyuubi in his head in favor of taking a deep breath and looking around, almost immediately his gaze fell on Hinata standing near a flower bed. She looked gorgeous dressed in simple blue jeans and a purple top. Her hair was pulled back out of her face and she held a large purse in one hand while the other held her cell phone. Almost instinctively she looked up and smiled at him then waved him over.
"Go! Go! Don't run! Fucking hell don't you even THINK of running boy! Act cool, like you've done this before!"
Naruto managed to take two steps before he felt a familiar grip on his forearm.
"I think you may need this lover boy." Kurenai shoved a notebook into his hand before giving him a light shove in the shoulder.
"…I can't believe you forgot the one thing you needed today."
"Shut up." Naruto hissed under his breath, face turning red as he resumed walking to Hinata, notebook in hand.
"Hey don't get mad at me kid; I'm not the one in control."
No response, he was too preoccupied dodging between other students mulling about. Everyone was ignoring him in favor of finding their friends and laughing and hugging; he almost got a purse to the face by one overexcited girl.
"Want me to take over?"
Naruto huffed.
"I mean if I was in charge I would at least remember have my shit in order."
Finally he met Hinata and offered her a nervous smile. "Moring."
"Hi Naruto." Hinata greeted and immediately enveloped him in a hug, but before he could even think to hug her back she stepped away. "How are you? Nervous?"
Nervously Naruto grinned. "Yeah, I uh…forgot my notebook."
"Yeah, I saw. Here." She dug inside her oversized purse and withdrew a new water bottle. "I figured you'd be nervous and wouldn't really think so I grabbed you a water bottle. Trust me, you'll need it later."
Blushing he accepted the bottle and tucked it into his pant pocket. "Thanks Hinata."
"Aw, how nice of her. She must like us. Really. I think she likes us boy. Don't screw up."
"Hinata! Hey Hinata!"
Both Hinata and Naruto looked around to see a fairly large group walking towards them; leading the group was a tanned guy with red triangle's on his face waving excitedly. Beside him was a rather rotund guy eating potato chips and strangling behind as though by walking as slow as possible they would delay the inevitable begin of school were two guys. One was pale with blue-black hair; the other seemed to be woken up only seconds ago since he kept yawning. Beside them walked two girls chattering nonstop, one had long blonde hair, the other bright pink.
"Naruto I'd like you to meet some of my friends." She gestured to the group walking towards them. "Don't worry." She lightly placed one hand on his forearm and proceeded to drag him towards them. "They seem loud and intimidating but they are nice."
"Oh crap…didn't expect this…"
"H-Hinata I," Naruto didn't get to say anything more because suddenly his mouth went completely dry. All those people? He had to act normal right now for all those people? Shit. Suddenly his heart felt like a hummingbird on crack.
"You know that blonde is pretty cute. Not as attractive or mate-worthy as Hinata, but she has something going for her…" Kyuubi trailed off distractedly.
"Hinata we've been looking everywhere for you!" The guy leading the group leapt at Hinata and pulled her into a bear hug, startling Naruto.
"Boy! He's touching our woman! DO something!"
"Kiba!" Hinata laughed and pulled free. "Kiba stop, wait." She smiled comfortingly at Naruto and rubbed his arm soothingly. "I want you to meet someone."
Just then they guy named Kiba swung his gaze to Naruto and frowned. "Don't tell me this is your boyfriend." He stated dryly.
"Yes! We are! We'd gladly be!"
At that Hinata laughed and patted Naruto's arm much like a mother petting her favorite child.
"Don't pet me!"
"Oh no, no. This is Naruto. A new, but very close friend of mine." She smiled up at Naruto, he returned it nervously. "He recently moved here from…from a very different place and well, I'm hoping you and the others will be nice and accepting of him and his…somewhat strange customs."
"Transfer?" The pale guy with blue-black hair asked. "In senior year? That sucks for you."
By that time the rest of the group had gathered around and was studying Naruto with interest. He shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny and felt his face grow hot. What were they looking for? Why did they have to stare so much?
"How'd you get those scars on your face?" The blonde girl asked, stepping in front of him.
"Ino," The pink haired girl sighed and smiled at him. "Hi, I'm Sakura. Ino," She grabbed the blonde by the elbow. "That was rude."
The one named Ino shrugged idly and smiled up at Naruto. "Either way you are rather…attractive." She looked him up and down. "Nice body. I must say Hinata you do have good taste."
"Ino." One of the guys spoke, but he sounded extremely bored. Or tired. "Don't make the guy more uncomfortable. I'm Shikamaru." The guy with a ponytail walked up and extended his hand.
"Shake! Shake his hand! Firmly!"
Naruto did as Kyuubi instructed which earned him a nod from Shikamaru. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too."
"Good. You're doing good kid. Keep it up." Kyuubi actually sounded tense.
"So, transfer student huh?" Kiba asked, running a hand under his jaw before shoving it in his pant pocket. "Where'd you come from?"
Pure fear coursed through Naruto's body at the innocent question. He never thought to think up a back-story, which he really should have done ages ago. In fact he probably should have sat down and spoken with Jiraiya as soon as he started buying school supplies for him. However it was too late now.
Luckily Hinata jumped in to save him. "Home school. He was homeschooled Kiba so stop grilling him."
"I'm not grilling, just asking." Kiba eyed Naruto with mild interest. "Strange customs?"
Hinata gently squeezed Naruto's hand. "His-his family are foreign Kiba."
"From?"
"Holy crap Kiba stop with the questioning will you?" Ino snapped glaring at him. "Are you planning on asking him out or something? Jeeze why don't you ask about his health history to make sure he's clean while you're at it."
At Ino's insinuation he colored and looked away, muttering under his breath about his unwavering attraction to woman and something about only being curious.
"Seriously Kiba, stop being creepy."Hinata frowned.
"Don't worry Hinata I'm sure both Sakura and I will go out of our way to take care of him." Ino smiled beseechingly up at him. "That is if he doesn't mind having me tailing him all day."
At that Sakura rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'd just say yes if I were you otherwise things will get weird." She looked at Naruto as she offered the advice.
"Weirder than they are now?"
Just then one of the last guys he hasn't yet met snorted and jostled Shikamaru who silently reached into his pant pocket and withdrew a cartridge of cigarettes and a lighter. Wordlessly he thumped the bottom a couple times and two cigs fell out, immediately the other guy took one and lit up, absently lighting the other for Shikamaru.
"Thanks."
"Yeah."
"Smoking? Interesting…we've never tried cigs before. But if you end up smelling anything like those damn babysitters of yours never mind. They smell like a fucking coalmine."
"So you've never been to school? Not even once?" Sakura asked, staring at him in a sort of wonder. She was trying to make Naruto feel less awkward but she knew the look on her face was anything but comforting. Unfortunately she couldn't help it having never met anyone who was homeschooled before. It fascinated her; like a new born puppy or baby chick.
Was it really that weird to never been in school? It made him incredibly uncomfortable and he started to shift, trying to make her stop gawking at him. "Yeah, uh never. First time."
"You must be nervous." Ino stated, rummaging in her purse. "I can't imagine how terrified you must feel right now."
"Real sympathetic Ino." Sakura mumbled dryly, shifting her purse on her shoulder. "Ignore her. She didn't come with a filter."
"And we can't be bothered to buy one." Kiba added in.
Ino ignored their jibs and withdrew a large bar of chocolate from her purse. "Naruto, I'm going to give you some advice." She began, unwrapping the bar and breaking off a quarter. "Stick with us and life will be easy." Casually she shoved the piece into his hand, slyly using positive reinforcement on him. "Don't piss us off and things will be pretty good. Fun. Exciting. This year can be the best damn year of school for you." She winked at him before taking a delicate bite out of the chocolate bar. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"F…fucking hell…"
Naruto went red watching Ino so he stared down at his hand and slowly took a bite out of the chocolate. Hey, who was he to deny free chocolate? Hinata had introduced him to the treat and since then he's been hooked on everything chocolate; bars, ice cream, syrup, drinks, anything that had chocolate in it he instantly ate.
"Ino! You didn't offer anyone else!" Kiba scowled just as a loud bell rang.
Confused, Naruto looked around while Hinata took a step beside him. "Time for school." She smiled soothingly. "You ready?"
He was anything but ready, but too late to back out now.
OOO
School was not what Naruto had imagined in his head with the help of Kyuubi. There were no televisions showing Top Gear, no cars, or pools, no snacks, no naps, no freedom whatsoever. It was boring. There was always some adult at the front talking about something and he couldn't get up without their permission, he had to stay in one seat the entire time, he couldn't get a snack or watch television or even read a book. Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to this horror?
"You did kid. Remember? You wanted this." Kyuubi was quick to remind him.
Naruto didn't answer since the room was quiet and he was sitting next to Kiba in fourth period physics. Not to mention everyone else was busy actually working while they just sat there occupying space. Luckily for him, though Hinata wasn't in every single one of his classes, at least one of her friends were and they were all willing to give him a hand. Sakura was in his first period English, Shikamaru was in his second period History, and Hinata was in third period calculus. He had no idea who was in fifth, sixth, or seventh but Hinata assured him after looking over his schedule he wouldn't be alone. So far things have been okay socially; Sakura was nice and helpful and Shikamaru was alright too. He wasn't overly friendly but he didn't seem like a jackass either. Immediately as he entered physics Kiba called him over to two seats he already claimed in the back.
"Understand any of this shit?" Kiba whispered as he slouched over the desk and laid his head on the cool surface facing Naruto. He pointedly ignored the worksheet on the desk he was suppose to be doing and slid it over to the side.
Silently Naruto shook his head. He skimmed the page as soon as he got it but soon found out he hadn't a single clue what he was suppose to do, and Kiba wasn't exactly helping either so he too ignored the worksheet and sat with his arms crossed and head bowed down.
"Yeah me neither. Who needs this crap anyway?" He grumbled and fished in his pant pocket, withdrawing a bag of skittles. Quietly he opened the pouch under the desk without even looking and glanced at the teacher sitting at the desk. "Here, gimme your hand." Without waiting for a response he grabbed Naruto's hand and dumped till his hand almost overflowed with skittles. "Just make sure she doesn't see you." He whispered and began to slyly pop some into his mouth.
"Well go on boy, try some." Kyuubi urged. "They look good."
Shrugging, Naruto ate one and almost spat it out but stopped himself before he made a scene.
"Shit that's sour! What the fuck is that?!"
Watching his face Kiba grinned. "Yeah, these are sours. Sorry." He shrugged unsympathetically. "Wakes you up though doesn't it?"
"You fucker! You did this on purpose!"
Idly Kiba chewed some more as he observed the class; almost all of them were diligently working on the worksheet aside from a few girls who were passing notes to one another. He sighed, ate a few more then returned his attention to Naruto. "So…how'd you meet Hinata?"
Naruto made a disgusted face as he finished off the last of the skittles before opening the water bottle Hinata gave him and took a swig. Repulsed, he sneered and smacked his lips and took another sip.
"What lie are you going to spin kid? Or are you planning on telling the truth?"
Thinking Naruto was sore at him for the sour skittles he offered him a smile while munching on another. "She said…well she didn't say much actually." Kiba carried on quietly.
Again, Naruto said nothing.
"Oh going the silent tactic are you? Smart…real smart kid. Going to hear what he has to say before you say anything? Nice. Another one of your plans. See this is why I like you." Kyuubi rambled excitedly.
Kiba fell silent for a few more seconds before looking at him again. "Listen man…I get it. I come off as a dick but if Hinata likes you then fine. I've got no problems with you. And neither would anyone else because she's the nicest, sweetest girl in the world. But I'm telling you right now, fuck her over and I will kill you."
Naruto felt all the blood rush out of his face and a cold sweat break out.
"I will kill you slow and painfully. And trust me, the others will help."
"Say something. Anything! Don't let this motherfucker this he can get away with threatening us! Kid!"
Quietly Naruto flexed his fingers and rolled his neck before slowly looking over at Kiba. With calm he didn't feel he shrugged and quirked one corner of his mouth up into a smirk. "We aren't dating. Hinata and I; in fact all she's been is a much needed, supportive friend to me since…I've arrived." He carefully phrased.
"Oh, I-"
"However I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in her in that way." Naruto continued on. "You are right when you say she is the nicest; she's the most beautiful, kind-hearted woman I've ever met and I would love to be her boyfriend. And when that happens I will make sure nothing hurts her."
There was nothing Kiba could say to that. The guy that just spoke wasn't the Naruto he met earlier in the morning nor was he the awkward newbie that was just sitting beside him in class. No this guy was cool, calm, emotionless and fucking intimidating. There was no doubt in Kiba's mind that this guy didn't make idle threats or promises. Whatever he said had weight to it; he would follow through. He swallowed the bitter sourness in his mouth and managed a slight nod before he resumed staring at the whiteboard.
For the remainder of the class, for once, Kiba actually avoided talking and tried to do the work.
OOO
"They expect us to eat that crap?"
For once, Naruto readily agreed as he continued to inspect the school lunch he bought. He was sitting outside at a picnic table beside Ino, whom he had fifth period art with along with Sakura while they waited for everyone else to find them.
"Disgusting isn't it?" She asked and moved around some of the food on her own dish. "I think it's supposed to be pasta…but I'm not too sure."
At that he snorted. He's had pasta, good pasta too. And this didn't come close. "Is it legal for them to feed us this?" He mumbled.
Ino burst out laughing and patted him on the shoulder. "Legal or not it doesn't matter." She sniffed and patted her chest. "This is public school honey; they can do whatever they want." Absently she handed him her water bottle. "Open this for me will you?"
"Kid don't open that! You're not her slave boy!"
Naruto stared at the water bottle in her hand for a few seconds before taking it and opening it. What did it matter? It was just a water bottle anyway, it didn't mean anything. "There you go."
"Thanks sweetie." She smiled at him.
Just then Hinata walked up with Kiba in tow. "Hi Naruto. Ino." She greeted and sat down on the other side of him, leaving Kiba to sit opposite her. "How have things been so far?" Casually she leaned over and gave Naruto a hug before fully settling down to eat.
Blushing slightly he grabbed his own water and gulped some down before shrugging. "Boring. A lot of just sitting and mindless writing."
Hinata laughed and smiled fondly at him. "Of course. What'd you think it was going to be?"
"There's that look again! Damn boy you're putting us back into the friend zone! Let me have control for one day! One day and I can fix this before you fully fuck it up!"
"More fun than this." He muttered.
"Anyone try this godforsaken food yet?" Shikamaru asked as he took a seat beside Kiba and nodded a greeting to everyone. "You'd think on the first day they would at least make an effort." He sighed and opened his bottle of V8.
"It's not so bad." Chouji argued as he shoveled some into his mouth and took a seat at the end of the picnic table away from everyone. "Could use some cheese though."
Ino rolled her eyes and picked up her fork. "I wish they would at least take my advice."
"Advice?" Naruto repeated as he bravely took a bite of the questionable pasta. It could be worse. It was nowhere near good but at least it was edible. Plus he was hungry after all the stress.
"Damn kid don't encourage her! She's not the one we're after!"
"About letting some business open up in school and sell their food. You know like coffee, sandwiches and stuff."
"Look at what you've done. You should be ashamed."
"Who got her on another spiel this time?" Sakura asked, dumping her purse on the table before sitting down and opening her water. "You know it takes her ages to stop."
"It was the new kid." Kiba pointed at Naruto with a grin. "Poor guy doesn't know what he's done. Look at 'em. All wide eyes and worried."
"Asshole! He threw us under the fucking bus!"
Just then Hinata's hand found Naruto's and she squeezed it reassuringly. "Kiba shut it." She hissed.
"Well hello there, who pissed off sweet little Hinata?" Sasuke greeted.
"Kiba. Who else?" Shikamaru shifted over to make room. "You're late man."
He shrugged as he took his seat and pulled out a hard roll. "No way was I eating that. Went to the vending machine."
"Vending machines sell bread? I thought they only sold beverages and snacks?"
"Anyone want to tell me how the newbie ended up with all the girls?" Kiba asked, eyeing Naruto suspiciously.
That earned a snort from Sasuke and a chuckle from Shikamaru.
"Assface is jealous. See that kid? Not even one day and you've already earned yourself an enemy. I'm so proud of you!"
Before Naruto could even get angry Ino leaned over and stuck her finger in Kiba's face. "Ever thinks it's because he's a nicer guy than you? Hm? That ever cross your mind? Or maybe we like him better than you all?" She sneered then leaned back and looked up at Naruto who had a light blush on his face. "Sorry." She offered him a half smile and patted his cheek. "But really, I like you a hell-of-a lot more than any of those idiots. You actually listen when I talk."
"That's because he doesn't know better." Sasuke muttered.
On the other side of him Hinata giggled and shrugged. "You act like he stole every single girl in school Kiba."
"Oh Hinata don't take him on, Kiba's just annoyed that he's not getting all of the attention." Sakura laughed mischievously. "Or rather…your attention." She winked.
"What the fuck is that pink haired bitch talking about?"
Naruto laughed awkwardly and glanced around and saw that he was the only guy on this side of the table. "I'd like to just point out that I was sitting here first…and that this wasn't planned…"
"Don't defend yourself!"
That earned a laugh from everyone including Chouji around him which made him blush and duck his head in embarrassment. Could he do anything right? Maybe he should just keep his mouth shut instead of trying to talk.
"For the love of-shit kid now they think you're some sort of sissy pants, gentle, baby-boy that needs taking care after! I won't be surprised if that Ino girls starts cooing at you!"
And true to Kyuubi's words Ino did start fussing over him; she 'aww'ed and pinched his cheeks which only made the guys laugh even harder. The only comfort was the fact that almost no one else was outside with them except for a few girls crowded around another picnic table. But judging from the fact that they pointedly ignored them, he gathered that this group was usually loud and obnoxious.
"I told you. I told you! Let me take over! I demand you let me take over before you make this situation WORSE!"
"Aww you poor, cute, sweet baby boy!" Ino ruffled his hair. "They're just making fun of you! We know you couldn't have possibly planned this, you're too sweet to!" She laughed and hugged him. "Did I mention how nice this guy is? Hinata dear, you really do know how to pick them! He is such a gentleman! He carried both Sakura's and my art supplies to my desk for me, and sharpened my pencils-oh and he even opened my water bottle! What a gent this guy here is! You all could take a page from his book." She pointed at Shikamaru and Kiba.
"Fucking DO something! Don't sit there and let this-this…this GIRL embarrass us!"
Sasuke burst out laughing and grinned at Naruto. "I see why she likes you; you do whatever she says don't you?"
"Leave him alone." Hinata scowled. "So he's a nice guy. Why do you need to make fun of him?" She asked honestly which immediately stopped the laughter. It was rare Hinata confronted them on their jokes, and today she kept standing up for Naruto which was unlike her.
Shamed Kiba scratched the side of his nose and stared down at his food. "I'm sorry Hinata." He apologized and peered at her from under his lashes.
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Naruto."
"Sorry man." He muttered.
"It's fine." Naruto mumbled and pushed the remaining pasta around, no longer hungry.
"It's not fine and you know it. You should kick their asses and show them what a real man is."
A slightly awkward silence began to settle among the group as they began to pick at their food again, Chouji had long since finished and had moved on to munching on a pack of potato chips. Absently Sasuke flicked his empty wrapped between his two hands while he slowly chewed his last piece of bread, but really he used the wrapper to slyly look at Naruto every few seconds.
"I'm still a bit shocked you got into calculus." Hinata began conversationally, shifting to look at Naruto beside her. "But I really shouldn't be surprised. Knowing you're…knowing your guardians I mean." She smiled apologetically at him. "But don't worry, I'll try and help you as much as I can."
"That's okay." He smiled. "I don't want you to worry about me, I'm sure I can figure it out."
"You fucking liar! You don't understand a damn thing in that fucking class-and neither do I! Accept the help! Accept it! It's more time with her! And trust me after that degrading shit we've just endured we need it!"
Hinata's lips tugged down into a slight frown. "Is not a problem Naruto." She gently laid a hand on his forearm. "Is this because we weren't seated together today? Don't worry about that the teacher only does it for the first day. Tomorrow I'll make sure we get to sit together."
"Leave him alone Hinata, I can help him in calculus you know." Ino beamed.
Just as Naruto was about to respond Kurenai walked up to them. "As much as I hate to interrupt you, Naruto and I have some things to discuss."
Everyone's eyes swung up to look at Kurenai; as much as they knew she was a new teacher so what was she doing here talking to Naruto? They watched as he excused himself and followed after her as she led the way back into the building.
Kiba let out a low whistle. "Newbie's in trouble already? And here I thought he was a 'nice boy'." He mocked and snickered which only earned him a glare from Ino and Hinata.
"I haven't seen her before. Is she new?" Sakura asked, watching their retreating forms. "She doesn't look like a teacher though…she's too…shifty."
OOO
As soon as Naruto turned the corner behind Kurenai, Asuma grabbed his arm and pulled him into an empty classroom then quickly closed the door. Naruto stumbled a bit before regaining his footing and looking around at the desks and boards; they were in an empty English room, but by the looks of it no one's been in all day.
Asuma turned around and smiled. "Hey, how are you doing?"
"Never thought I'd be glad for you assfaces to kidnap us." Kyuubi muttered darkly then sighed with relief.
Naruto ignored Kyuubi in favor of shrugging and turning around to face Kurenai who had taken a seat atop one of the desks. "I'm fine." He mumbled and sat down at one of the desks. "Kind of tired though."
At that Asuma chuckled and leaned against the door covering the exposed glass and preventing anyone from coming in. "Just a few more hours and then you could go home. See? I told you he'd done fine Kurenai. Worrying for nothing."
Kurenai cut him a sharp glare but smiled encouragingly down at Naruto. "So you're okay? How are you doing in the classes?"
"We've only had morning classes human. And we understand jack in any of them."
"Fine."
She eyed him but nodded. "Good. And what about those friends of yours?"
Wearily he sighed. "What about them?"
"Are they…treating you right?"
"Again. What do you care?"
Naruto stared at her, watching her eyes flicker briefly before a worried smile tugged at her mouth. Were they treating him right? He had no idea. He never had friends his age before so he had nothing to compare them to. The only people he could remember associating with were doctors, guards and nurses; and none really qualified as a friend. Kyuubi might be classified as one, but the way Kyuubi treated him was completely different than how Hinata's friends treated him.
"Just say yes. We are making excellent friends."
So Naruto did what he normally did in situations he wasn't sure on how to respond to; he mindlessly repeated what Kyuubi said. "Yes. I am making excellent friends."
OOO
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All constructive and unconstructive criticism welcome.